Biomedical Engineering - BEng (Hons) / MEng
September 2021 — UCAS code H160 MEng, H16A BEng
Are you interested in engineering that interacts with the human body? Our practice-led Biomedical Engineering degree explores mathematics, anatomy, physiology and computing to meet the rapid advancement in technology which is becoming a vital part of healthcare. Throughout this programme, you will have the option to carry out exciting work placements in the UK and abroad....
104points required
Clearing 2021
There are places available on this course.
Two ways to apply now
Call us 0121 331 6777
Clearing hotline opens Tuesday 10 August
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Information about the arrangements the University has put in place for the 2021/22 academic year in response to Covid-19 and the emerging variants can be found here.
Should the impact of Covid-19 continue in subsequent years of your course, any additional and/or alternative arrangements put in place by the University in response will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre / City South
- Award BEng (Hons) / MEng
- Start date September 2021
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Health Sciences
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
Clearing 2021
Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.
Overview
Are you interested in engineering that interacts with the human body? Our practice-led Biomedical Engineering degree explores mathematics, anatomy, physiology and computing to meet the rapid advancement in technology which is becoming a vital part of healthcare. Throughout this programme, you will have the option to carry out exciting work placements in the UK and abroad. If this sounds like the degree for you then find out more about our university entry requirements.
What's covered in this course?
Our unique Biomedical Engineering degree programme will provide you with the skills and expertise needed to work in specialist areas such as assistive technology, rehabilitation, medical imaging and robotics, physiology monitoring, cardiopulmonary engineering, m-health and e-health, orthopaedic implants and regenerative medicine/ tissue engineering.
Biomedical Engineering (also known as bioengineering) is a discipline of engineering that interacts with the human body. You will be developing and applying innovative skills in the design, manufacturing and maintenance of medical equipment and devices covering all spectrums from the new born to assistive living for the elderly. Industrial-led practical workshops and labs will help enhance your technical skills. This will enable you to relate ‘real-life’ commercial innovations to the underpinning academic theory learnt in the lectures.
Our state-of-the-art facilities will allow you to explore a variety of biomedical applications including: sensing and measuring on micro and nano scales, personal health tracking, remote diagnosis and monitoring, biomaterials to name a few. The knowledge acquired will then enable you to engage in exciting projects such as designing prostheses or devising new medical technology for physicians and medical professionals to be used in the prognosis, diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Along with these technical skills, as an engineer you will also gain a diverse range of transferrable skills, including effective communication, leadership, the ability to critically assess gaps in target healthcare markets, and the tools required to provide solutions to bridge those gaps.
The programme is currently in progression of accreditation by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET).
Where will I study?
You will learn within our recently extended £71 million City South Campus, located in Edgbaston just five minutes from Birmingham City Centre. Our campus has been recently re-developed and provides access to cutting-edge facilities that will enhance and support your learning during your time here.
It’s really challenging, it’s a course that takes your mind to a place you didn’t even think imaginable. For me, this is a pathway to graduate medicine, for others it’s to hospital engineering departments or health app programming, the possibilities are endless.
Christina Lawrence
Why Choose Us?
- Progress straight on to postgraduate study - successful completion of this unique course allows you to continue at postgraduate level (MEng)
- Explore the multi-disciplinary of a career in Biomedical Engineering - you’ll have access to the excellent facilities on both our health and engineering campuses. Giving you the benefits of both disciplines in regards to resources and a range of academics
- 100% of of MEng Biomedical Engineering students were satisfied with this course (NSS 2021)
- 91.7% of BEng students were satisfied with the teaching on this course (NSS 2021)
- We’ve invested £71 million in our City South Campus - featuring specialist labs and over £250,000 worth of new equipment
- Small tutorial classes to allow for in depth opportunities to develop your skills and receive constructive feedback
- Student support - we provide you with a personal tutors to support you in achieving your learning goals
- Get work experience abroad - you can apply for a travel scholarship as part of our Go Abroad scheme to carry out exciting work placements overseas
- Strong partnerships and links with medical institutions and healthcare providers, including the NHS and private sector, providing you opportunities for collaboration
- Passionate staff - learn from experienced tutors who are experts in their field
- Access to our cutting-edge virtual technologies and one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries
- Network with employers - Biomedical Engineering organisations are invited to meet with students on campus via our employer forum
Similar Courses
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
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112 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| GCSE |
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| City and Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Adult Numeracy/ Adult Literacy |
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| Functional Skills/ Essential Skills level 2 |
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| Key Skills level 2 |
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| Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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| Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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| Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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| Scottish National 5 |
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| IELTS |
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| Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
| UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| A level and Advanced VCE |
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| Access to HE Diploma |
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| British bachelor's degree |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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Open University courses |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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| Other qualifications | ||
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If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. Recent relevant study to GCE A-level standard or above must have been completed within five years of the course intake date the applicant is applying for. Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
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Extra Information for EU/international students
| Essential | ||
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| EU/non-EU (international) qualifications | Requirements 2021/22 | |
| IELTS | 6.5 overall with 6 minimum in all bands | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 28 points (minimum grade 5 in Higher Level Mathematics) Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. | |
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
Fees & How to Apply
- UK students
- International students
Award: BEng (Hons) / MEng
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £9,250 per year
- Apply via Clearing
Award: BEng (Hons) / MEng
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £13,200 per year
- Full Time
- 4 years
- £13,200 per year
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.
Places available to start in September 2021
If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.
International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.
Want to start in September 2022?
You can apply via UCAS from September 2021.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the next module in the theme, Engineering Principles II, and then on to the second year of a range of engineering degrees.
20 credits
Mathematics plays a key role in establishing and grounding the skills of an engineer, and the ability to communicate the ideas of engineering that are expected of an engineering graduates.
20 credits
The module aims to provide the underpinning knowledge and problem solving skills in engineering science to enable you to progress to the second year of a wide range of engineering degrees. As the practical aspects of engineering science are delivered in another theme of the common first year, the Engineering Principles modules concentrate on the theoretical aspects. The subject material will be delivered in two coherent streams one of which contains predominantly mechanical science and the other contains predominantly electrical science.
20 credits
The module aims to provide the practical and professional skills to enable you to progress to the next module in the practical theme, Practical Skills II, and then on to the second year of an engineering degree. As the theoretical aspects of physical science and maths are delivered in other themes of the first year, the Practical Skills modules concentrate on the practical aspects.
20 credits
This module will focus on introducing and building on well-established techniques for mathematically modelling dynamic systems (systems of interest for engineering) for contextualised engineering applications. The module will include an introduction to sophisticated signal analysis technique, Fourier series, which is used to transform time-domain signals into their frequency spectra.
20 credits
This module is designed to give you a sound understanding of essential human anatomy and physiology, providing a solid foundation for biomedical engineering applications. It is intended that by studying this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of functions and mechanisms of cells, tissues, organs and organ systems, and appreciate how they interact and communicate to make the human body function optimally in an ever changing environment. It will focus on areas of pathology that provide opportunities and challenges to biomedical engineers to intervene and correct with the latest technology where biology alone is insufficient.
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
20 credits
Information is the basic thread of life and signals are the medium by which information is passed. This module will focus on classifying and mathematical modelling of signals and systems in the context of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering.
During the module, analytical techniques will be used to transform signals from one domain to another and vice versa. Mathematical techniques will be used and contextualised for actual system hardware.
20 credits
This module introduces you to the fundamentals of analogue and digital electronics using a circuit approach. It has been designed to give you a usable level of electronics theory to demonstrate key concepts.
20 credits
This module will focus on contextualising the theory gained in Analogue and Digital electronics as well introducing embedded systems for both electronic engineering and biomedical applications.
20 credits
If conducted in the right way biomedical engineering research and design of medical devices will contribute to improved healthcare and quality of life, but too much time and resources are wasted on badly designed and conducted research. This module is designed to give you the necessary skills and knowledge required to design, execute and disseminate a research project in biomedical engineering.
20 credits
This module will enable you to build upon the knowledge and skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to develop a sound understanding of application of physics in medicine and thereby its application in the field of medical imaging.
20 credits
This module will build upon the foundation knowledge and skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to apply various principles underpinning; science, biology and medicine alongside mechanical, electrical and electronic engineering in acquiring measurements from various physiological systems.
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 120 credits from the following list of CORE modules.
40 credits
It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to demonstrate creativity in your approach to integrate engineering principles, skills and knowledge to plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of independent work, critically addressing a specific question by bridging the gap identified in the literature of Biomedical Engineering.
20 credits
This module will build upon the common engineering science / skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to develop a sound understanding of the physical principles and concepts underpinning the mechanics of living system and human body, which is the basis of movement science.
20 credits
This module will build upon the common engineering science / skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to develop a sound understanding of; the material science and apply the concepts underpinning the interaction of substances, engineered for medical applications, with biological system.
20 credits
This module will build upon the knowledge and skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to develop a sound understanding of; the working principle, operation and troubleshooting procedures of various lower order and higher order medical devices used for medical applications within a health care setting.
20 credits
This module will enable you to build upon the knowledge and skills that you have developed earlier as part of this programme. It is intended that by engaging in this module, you will be able to develop a sound understanding of; digital image processing, medical image analysis and application within medical image processing.
Year Four
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits):
40 credits
The group research project will be undertaken by a project team comprising of 3 students (maximum). It is intended that by engaging in this module, you and your team will be able to demonstrate creativity in your approach to integrate engineering principles, skills and knowledge to plan, design, execute and communicate a sustained piece of team work, critically addressing a specific question by bridging the gap identified in the literature of Biomedical Engineering. It is an opportunity to complete an extended piece of work around a topic of common interest that your team is very keen about, in order to demonstrate your competence in reviewing the literature, critically appraising and evaluating the given evidence, and applying your knowledge in the pursuit of excellence, either within the University or an industry setting, as part of a project team. In order to meet the module outcomes, you will be drawing upon the various professional and technical skills that you have developed in the first three years of your degree.
20 credits
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) is an emerging field in electronic engineering which has been rapidly growing over the last few decades. In DSP, data is converted from the continuous domain into the discrete domain and processed as scalar dimensionless values. When compared to Analogue (continuous time) processing, Digital (discrete time) processing has a number of tangible benefits including, but not limited to, repeatability, cost, response which is a closer approximation to ideal characteristics. DSP has applications in wide range of disciplines ranging from biomedical electronics to media.
20 credits
At an advanced level, this module will introduce you to various management protocols and procedures used within a Medical Devices / Health Care Sector to effectively manage medical technology. It is intended that by undertaking this module at Master’s Level (Level 7), you will be able to develop essential skills associated with the management of health care technology by undertaking strategic activities to inform your decision making so as to update an existing technology or implement essential change(s) at your work.
20 credits
At an advanced level, this module will introduce you to the technical concepts underpinning the design of SMART ultrasonic sensors for Biomedical Engineering applications. It is intended that by undertaking this module at Master’s Level (Level 7), you will be able to apply and appreciate various technical skills pertaining to the; technical design and development of the bespoke biomedical sensor technology, which encompasses; sensor modelling, sensor hardware design aspects, sensor interface with mobile applications and using artificial intelligence to predict the performance of the same for various biomedical engineering / health care applications. Strictly speaking these are the bespoke advanced level skills that you will need to acquire for your continuous professional development and career progression in the field of biomedical engineering.
20 credits
This module explicitly addresses students’ personal and/or professional development with a view to enhancing competence for service improvement in a rapidly changing health and healthcare environment. Through a flexible provision, students are inspired to reflect critically upon their individual learning needs as well as their organisations’ practices, to appraise and apply concepts from the literature on leadership, to issues of relevance for their role, organisation and overall programme of study.
Course structure
This biomedical engineering course is delivered by a team of experienced scientists, and biomedical and clinical engineers. You'll be exposed to a number of different teaching and learning styles, as well as a range of assessment types.
An interdisciplinary approach will introduce you to a range of modules that will focus on human physiology, engineering design principles, digital signal processing, biomechanics and biomaterials. Additional modules in laboratory skills and research methods will prepare you for your research topic in the final year.
A key feature of your first year is a shared core module which will allow you to learn alongside students on other health, life sciences and engineering courses in the School of Health Sciences, the School of Computing and Engineering, and the School of Digital Media and Technology.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
We'll develop you into a work-ready graduate. By undertaking suitable elective/optional placement opportunities, you'll gain a greater understanding of the causes and mechanisms underlying health, ageing and disease. This will allow you to collaboratively support the design and delivery of healthcare technology and or medical devices within a clinical or industrial setting.
You may also have invaluable opportunities to test and demonstrate new electro-mechanical models and tools for health and care delivery.
Placements
You may have the chance to undertake valuable work placements, either in the UK or internationally. This could be done in a local hospital, a manufacturing company or in another relevant sector.
OpportUNIty
OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
International Students
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
Facilities and Staff
The creation of our new suite of courses in Sport and Life Sciences is yet another exciting development at Birmingham City University. The 10,500sq metre building at City South Campus will enable us to offer a wide range of new health, nutrition, biomedical science and sports courses, as well as providing a new home for our education programmes.
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to jiu jitsu.
The courses will reflect the latest developments in our teaching and our focus on practice-led learning with work placements and live industry case studies incorporated into the curriculum. All courses have been co-designed with employers and are endorsed or accredited by professional bodies where appropriate.
By expanding our provision to these new areas, we will be helping to tackle some of the biggest challenges facing society today, such as obesity and unhealthy lifestyles, by encouraging and supporting healthy eating and greater physical activity.
In addition, we will be producing graduates who can support elite performers in meeting the UK’s ambitions for sporting success at events such as the Olympics and other world sporting tournaments. We are constantly looking to enhance the range of courses we offer - please check all our courses for the latest additions to our portfolio.
Simulation Mannequins
We have several Simulation men (SIM men) and Simulation babies (SIM babies) which are leading edge, anatomically correct mannequins used for teaching specific techniques such as advanced adult and paediatric life support skills, acute and high dependency clinical skills, first aid and communication skills.
S.P.A.C.E.
SPACE is an innovative practice area all students can access to use equipment and resources to practise a wide range of skills in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. It provides students with a creative learning environment to get the best educational experience before becoming a health care professional.
Learning Facilities
We offer up-to-date, innovative facilities that simulate the real situations that medical staff may come across. These resources are essential in offering students a hands-on introduction to health and social care practice.
Virtual Tour
Explore our facilities in 360 panoramas, including welcome videos from key members of staff and Health and Wellbeing student profiles.
Doug Ellis Sports Centre
Our £8.5 million Doug Ellis Sports Centre boasts an 80-station fitness suite, an eight-court sports hall, and workout and spinning studios. The centre offers state-of-the-art fitness training equipment and plenty of room for team sports including five-a-side football and cricket. An all-weather pitch adds the finishing touches to the centre.
Visitors to the gym can choose a personalised fitness programme, instructed by qualified fitness trainers, and take advantage of a selection of classes, such as yoga, salsa or body combat.
Our staff
Dr Vivek Indramohan
Associate Professor and Course Lead - Biomedical Engineering
With an overseas research student award (ORSAS) and University of Strathclyde scholarship, Vivek completed his Ph.D. (in Bioengineering) in 2009. Following the completion of his research degree, he commenced his work as a Research Assistant at University College of London (UCL) for 6 months, during which he was successful in obtaining a remarkable and valuable opportunity as a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow at the Centre for Health and Social Care Research at the Birmingham City University. During this period, he was engaged in undertaking biomechanical investigation of one of the patented medical devices designed by BCU.
In addition, during the same period Vivek also undertook substantial plan of action to identify and accomplish various professional needs so as to emerge as a successful academic member of staff within the faculty. This eventually allowed him to contribute to various learning, teaching and research activities for undergraduate nursing students within the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences.
More about VivekDr Bisola Biobaku-Mutingwende
Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Bisola Mutingwende is Lecturer on and Deputy Course Lead for the Biomedical Engineering course within the department of Life Sciences in the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences (HELS). As a BCU Alumni, she completed her PhD in Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technology and first degree in BSc. Engineering Product Design specialising in healthcare technology (then called UCE). In between these, Bisola completed her MSc. in Advanced Mechanical Engineering focusing on surgical fixation techniques, at the University of Warwick.
More about BisolaIan Chell
Visiting Lecturer for Biomedical Engineering
Ian Chell MSc FSRP, is the visiting lecturer working with Viji on the Medical Device module. Ian is an experienced x-ray and medical engineer who obtained his Master of Science in Medical Electronics and Physics at St Barts Medical School, now QM Westfield.
More about IanDr Vijayalakshmi Ahanathapillai
Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Dr. Viji Ahanathapillai completed her B.Eng in India and obtained her PhD in Biomedical Signal and Image Processing at the University of Strathclyde. After her PhD, she worked as an Image Processing Algorithms Engineer for Lucid Software Ltd., working on industrial non-destructive testing application. Later, she joined the Institute of Digital Healthcare within University of Warwick as a post-doctoral researcher to work on wearable technology. She also worked with Learning and Development Centre at the University of Warwick to identify career development opportunities for research active staff. Most recently, she worked as a Development Scientist at Malvern Panalytical Ltd, developing novel image processing algorithms for nanoparticle sizing instrument range. In 2019, she joined Birmingham City University as a lecturer in Biomedical Engineering.
More about VijayalakshmiDr George Oguntala
Lecturer in Biomedical Engineering
Dr. George Oguntala is a Lecturer with the Biomedical Engineering in the Faculty of HELS. Before joining Birmingham City University in June 2020, he has worked as a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant and Research Assistant in wireless communication, digital and smart health with the Department of Biomedical and Electronics Engineering, University of Bradford. His current research interest includes digital and smart health, IoT, burns, RFID systems, applied and computational mathematics.
More about George